| General Comment
on the weather |
 Western
Cape |
| Bring something to protect you from the wind and rain
– particularly in Winter and Spring. Wind chill can
be a factor throughout the year – particularly at wetlands.
A good pair of trainers is fine for footwear – hiking
boots not essential. For the pelagics be prepared for very
cold, very windy or even very hot weather. Depending on sea
conditions on the day, you may also get very wet. Sunblock,
a hat which will not blow off/woolly cap, a good waterproof
windcheater, a warm jersey and gloves are essential. There
is room in the aft cabin of the boat to store a togbag with
spare clothes. |
| Kalahari |
| Temperatures can fall below zero at nights in winter and spring.
Be prepared for this. It normally warms up during the day. Summer
temperatures can be very high. Be sure to wear cool comfortable
clothes and drink lots of water. |
| Eastern Cape |
| The weather in the Eastern Cape is generally moderate. Bring
along Raingear and something to keep the wind out. |
| Kwazulu |
| Kwazulu weather varies greatly from region to region. They
enjoy warm wet summers and dry cool winters. Nearer the coast
the humidity can be very high especially in the summer months.
This can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to humidity.
Winter humidity levels are not really a concern. The coldest
parts of the province are in the Drakensberg. In the foothills
of the Berg one can experience snow in winter. Wakkerstroom
and many other inland areas get close to freezing in winter
. On the coast the winters are glorious with cool clear days
and very little rain. It is always advisable to bring along
something to keep the chill out. Raingear is best brought along
for all times of year. If in any doubt it is always best to
contact us for more specific guidance once you have decided
on your trip and the time of year you intend to visit. |
| Gauteng |
| The weather in Gauteng is generally mild to moderately hot,
although trips in November – February can be both hot
with a maximum of up to 31oC and quite humid. Winters can be
chilly (Down to a low of about -3oC in the early morning). For
trips between October and March, we recommend short trousers,
light cotton shirts and raingear, as showers are regular. A
hat and sunblock is essential for all seasons. From April to
August, cooler conditions can be expected, with cold snaps possible.
Rain is less frequent in this season and very unlikely: June
and August |
| Kruger |
| The weather in Kruger is generally warm to hot. Very hot conditions
can be experienced from October to February, with high humidity
more likely in late summer (December to February). Since one
spends most of the time confined to a vehicle, we recommend
comfortable slacks or shorts, and light cotton wear. Bring a
windbreaker and sweater for night drives, as these can be chilly.
A hat and sunblock is essential for all seasons. Good walking
shoes are also recommended for birding in the camps, or for
bush trails. |
| Can we drink the
tap water? |
| Yes
everywhere except northern Kwazulu – see the Cholera comment
below. |
| Malaria |
| The Kruger Park and Northern Kwazulu
are “Low Risk” malarial areas and a malaria prophylactic
such as Larium is recommended. Note that Larium can have unpleasant
side effects for some - please consult your doctor in this regard.
The malaria parasite prevalent in South Africa has become immune
to the old style quinine-based prophylactics. Long-sleeved shirts
and trousers as well as a good insect repellent will also serve
to protect you against this tropical disease.
Malaria symptoms - general body ache, tiredness, headache,
sore throat, diarrhoea and fever. Symptoms may not be dramatic.
Symptoms appear from seven days to six months of entering
a malaria area and urgent medical care is essential. Once
back home after visiting a malaria area be aware of the symptoms,
seek medical advice and be sure to inform the doctor that
you have been in a malaria area. |
| Bilharzia |
| This is an unpleasant disease carried
by water flukes. It is curable but symptoms can appear years
after infection. Clients must avoid all exposure to water in
lakes, pools, rivers and streams in Eastern South Africa. Drinking
or swimming in this water could lead to Bilharzia infection.
Bilharzia
symptoms - Blood in urine and faeces. |
| Cholera |
| This disease has become a problem in
recent years in Eastern South Africa. In addition to the Bilharzia
precautions, clients should avoid using tap water for drinking
or cleaning teeth in Northern Kwazulu (the only potential problem
area in South Africa in this regard). Buying fresh fruit and
vegetables from roadside vendors in this area is not advised.
Cholera symptoms – Intense
diarrhoea with watery stools and dehydration.
|
